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Facebook hires new MD to build Middle East audience

Ramez T Shehadi named managing director of Facebook in the Middle East as social network eyes growth in 'key market'

Shehadi will lead the commercial growth and impact of Facebook and its expanding portfolio of apps, services and businesses across the region.

By Sam Bridge

Tue 20 Nov 2018 02:35 PM

Facebook announced on Tuesday the appointment of Ramez T Shehadi as its new managing director in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

In his new position, Shehadi will lead the commercial growth and impact of Facebook and its expanding portfolio of apps, services and businesses across the region, a statement said.

The appointment comes as Ari Kesisoglu, vice president of Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Facebook, said the social network had achieved only 1 percent of its journey in the region.

"The ever-evolving MENA region continues to be a key market for Facebook, with over 181 million people using the platform every month. Driven by a mobile-first strategy, Facebook’s family of apps and services help people to explore new ways of digital storytelling and support brands to reach the right audiences," he said.

He said Shehadi brings extensive expertise in establishing, scaling and running regional and global lines of business and cross-industry portfolios for top-tier global consulting firms, most notably as senior partner and managing director of the MENA portfolio of Booz Allen Hamilton.

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Shehadi added: “Digital transformation is well underway across the region, driven by demand for secure, fast and personalized online experiences throughout social communities and public and private sectors.

"I am excited to join the Facebook team at such a time and look forward to helping shape and drive the strategy in MENA, ensuring that the market remains prioritized and a source of information globally.”